by Steve Kiester
As a retired surgeon, I’ve spent most of my life focusing on helping others through one of the most personal and important aspects of their lives: their health. I have recently embarked on a new journey – one that is different but shares a similar purpose. I decided to transition into the world of real estate, where I can continue helping people in a meaningful way, guiding them through another important aspect of life: finding a place they can call home.
Why Real Estate?
After years of practicing medicine and surgery, the decision to step into real estate wasn’t one I took lightly. Many people asked: “Why real estate? Why not enjoy retirement?” For me, it wasn’t just about staying busy; it was about staying fulfilled. Real estate, like surgery, requires precision, an analytical mindset, and a strong focus on client needs. There is something deeply rewarding about helping someone find a home, just as there was in helping them find solutions to their health challenges.
Core Skills Hold True
Many skills from my medical career are directly applicable in real estate. These core skills include:
- Attention to Detail
In surgery, missing even the smallest detail can have significant consequences. In real estate, being detail oriented means thoroughly reviewing contracts, understanding current market trends, and ensuring that no critical aspect of a transaction is overlooked. - Problem Solving
Every surgery presents with its own set of challenges, and real estate is no different. Whether it is helping a buyer navigate financial hurdles or working with sellers to position their home for the best price, one must approach each transaction with a problem-solving mindset. - Empathy and Communication
One of the most crucial parts of being a surgeon was listening to patients and understanding their concerns. In real estate, I bring the same approach. I listen to clients’ needs, whether it is their first home purchase or they are selling a home they have owned for decades. - Trust and Integrity
Throughout my career, transparency, honesty, and integrity were imperative to offering high quality care, along with sensitivity and compassion. The same holds true in real estate. The focus is our clients and in assisting them to make a significant life decision. Being trustworthy and honest is crucial to developing strong relationships with my clients.
While my journey into the world of real estate appears vastly different on the surface from my background in medicine, the same core principles, values, and skills hold true. I truly love to help and guide people during important times in their lives. As such, my transition into real estate was a natural shift, and my latest adventure has proven to be challenging, exciting, and extremely fulfilling.
For more details, check out my interview on WCCO! I had a blast filming!
Want to work with Steve the surgeon turned Realtor? Reach out to him today!